Fall 2005 Death Valley Century
October 29, 2005 Report and Results

Spectacular weather greeted the annual Fall edition of the Death Valley Century and Double Century on October 29, 2005. With registered riders representing AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, MA, MD, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, RI, TX, UT, VA, WA, plus Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany, this event remains one of the most popular endurance rides in the country. This particular edition would be the third in history to traverse the northern route of this event, heading to Scotty's Castle, Ubehebe Crater, Hell's Gate, and other roadside attractions.

Saturday, October 29 was a wonderful day with ideal conditions for 224 intrepid cyclists to tackle the course. By the end of the day, 85 would complete the double century, 93 would complete the century, 45 would DNF one or the other course, and one unlucky rider had to withdraw at the start line when his dropouts were found to be slipping out of his carbon fork (but better he found out there than on the road!).

The next edition of the Death Valley Century and Double Century, featuring the southern course, will take place March 4, 2006, while this northern route will return on October 28, 2006. We hope to see you there! Meanwhile, thanks again to all the volunteers and all the riders!

First-Time Century or Double Century Finishers!
(Those that told us it was their first.)

Congratulations to Steven Barnes, Double Century; Denise and Paul Fejtek, Century; Robert F. James, Double Century; Chris Kingdom, Century; Danny Mazzella, Century; Kyle Pedersen, Century; Clark Vandergrift, Double Century.

Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who made it all happen!

Check-In: Laurie Streff, Jeff Landshark Landauer, Mike Angelos, and Chris Kostman

Start Line: Matt Ruscigno, Morgan Goat Beeby, and Chris Kostman

Stove Pipe Wells & Nevada: Mark Panther Patten and Reed Flamingo Finfrock

Side of the Scotty's Castle Road: Kathleen Twitchell, Jesse Smith, Dave Heckman, and Mike Angelfish Angelos

Water Stop en route to Scotty's: Laurie Streff, Monica Hennessy, and Judith Gustafson

Scotty's Castle Lunch Stop: Wayne and Shelby Kostman, Le Mebust, Matt Ruscigno, Morgan Goat Beeby, and Joe Gargoyle Garza

Ubehebe Crater: Eva Meyer and Carol Savid

Hell's Gate: Martin and Haeran Dempsey

Finish Line: Laurie Streff, Monica Hennessy, Judith Gustafson, Sandy Clare, Katherine Levy, Jeff Landshark Landauer, Mark Panther Patten, and Chris Kostman

Roving SAG: Lee Maggot Mitchell, Mike Angelfish Angelos, Evan Meyer, Carol Savid, Joe Gargoyle, and Chris Kostman

Thank You for the Wonderful, Unsolicited Feedback!

"Just a quick note to say thank you for hosting ANOTHER great event. This is the third year my riding partner and I have done the Death Valley Double and we have a blast every year. Many many thanks. We had done the southern routes in 2003 and 2004 and had not planned to ride this year but when you changed the course to the northern route, we had to do it, and we made the right choice.

The support staff is fantastic; they are all helpful and congenial. Especially nice were the "Water Angels" half way up the climb to Scotty's. A well placed break.

You guys do a great job and we love coming out from the east coast to enjoy the desert and the western hospitality."  -Sincerely, Ed Mockler

"Thanks for making my first 200 ride a great experience. Your volunteers were cheerful, encouraging and were very appreciated. I hope to do another ride (or run) with you again."  -Paige Sommer

"Marilyn and I had a terrific time and are happy to have completed the full course in 16 1/2+ hours. The Nevada leg nearly did us in with the fresh chip seal road surface, it made the Ubehebe Crater leg seem tame in comparison. We drove over the Hell's Gate triangle the next day to see the views we missed by riding this section in the dark. We will have to pick up the pace to enjoy the view the first time, nevertheless that was a great section to ride in the dark. Thanks again for a great adventure."  -Richard Lowe

"I just wanted to take a minute and drop you a note of thanks. Last weekend was my first double century. And despite the fact that I had to duct tape my foot to the pedal (my own fault for that little bit of pleasure) and fnished five hours slower than we anticipated, the ride was everything I could have hoped for and more. I've only been riding a bike since February of this year, and my goal for the year was to ride one century. I completed that goal in March and obviously had to rethink this year's aspirations. I chose the death valley ride after talking to some 508 veterans at another ride I sagged on in the spring. They spoke of how dedicated you were to putting on a great ride, and now I can say that they didn't lie. I can only imagine how much time and effort go into putting on events like this, and you probably don't get enough thanks at the end of the day. I'll just say that this ride has inspired me all the more, and I plan on being back for both the spring and fall rides in 06." - Best, Robert F. James

"I wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for a job well done. I truly had a great time doing the DV Century ride last month. This being the second time for me to do the ride I was so happy to participate. Death Valley is just a great hidden jewel for cycling and if I could I would join you and your team every chance possible. I hope to be able to make it out once again next fall to take the challenge. In the mean time, keep up the good work and ride safe! LIVE STRONG!!" - Darryl E. Toupkin

"Just a quick note now I'm back in blighty to say thanks for a great ride Saturday, the help and support was amazing, really well organised and oh so appreciated - partic' that soup at the bottom of hells gate ! Really glad I took part, will be back for next year - and next time I'll try and finish in the daylight, although the descent from hells gate at 40mph in the dead of night was probably the most exhilarting part of the whole ride ! Thanks also to Santa for fixing my seatpost five minutes before the start and 'irish david' in his green peace top, who's constant chirpy upbeat attitude made me get back on the saddle when my legs were pleading otherwise. Thanks again, it was a great introduction for my first double century. Cheers and take care,"  -Neil Jones (Note: Neil flew over from the UK!)

"I had a great time, although it was more challenging than I expected having not had enough time to train recently. But it's encouraged me to push harder...I may come back and try for the DV200 in the Spring. Thanks for everything. The ride was wonderfully organized and well thought out." - Andrew Kagan

"Thank you so much for organizing such an outstanding event this weekend. Not only was this my first trip to Death Valley, but it was also my first attempt at an endurance event. I felt that the event was well supported with food, liquids and enthusiasm. Thanks so much for all of your hard work. Next year I will have to return and try break my 5hr. 40min. Century time. Be Well." -Kyle Pedersen

"Just finished my first double century at Death Valley!! The people at the rest stops were great!! My lights went out on me a of couple times (I even brought extra batteries) and two riders kindly helped me out. Santa, sag, rock and roll mix well. The day was perfect and the night sky...awesome. Thanks for a very organized event!!"  -George Perez

"Thanks for a very well organized and supported ride on Saturday. You did a pretty good job with the weather, as well! Had a great time. Already looking forward to signing up for the Spring version." Thanks, Calvin Mulder

"I wanted to thank you and your crew very much for a great experience, friendly atmosphere (all the rest-stop people were so cheerful!), and for helping me at the start line when my shifter-cable broke. I thought my double is over before it even started. Thanks very much!"  -Carola Berger

"I was one of the last in—but perhaps the happiest! I had a season full of issues. Bummer for a season that was to have my first double and my first triple crown. I am so happy to say that finishing just under the gun in Death Valley allowed me to achieve the triple crown. 5 starts, 3 finishes—and the most satisfying finish had to be with you guys. Thanks again for letting me in! It was GREAT!"  -Cheers, Tracy Roseboom

Double Century Results

First Middle Last City State Country Category Result
Jeff Landauer Roseville CA USA Double Century 11:00
Michael J. Farlow Broken Arrow OK USA Double Century 11:24
Robert F. James Los Gatos CA USA Double Century 11:24
Colt Albrecht Saint George UT USA Double Century 11:28
Michael Sturgill Phoenix AZ USA Double Century 11:55
Clark Vandergrift Reisterstown MD USA Double Century 12:09
Dave Rossow Los Gatos CA USA Double Century 12:14
Dennis James Ahern Boise ID USA Double Century 12:33
John Axtell Minden NV USA Double Century 12:33
Carola F Berger Woodside CA USA Double Century 12:37
Tom Hartnett Bakersfield CA USA Double Century 12:37
Calvin Mulder Tustin CA USA Double Century 12:43
Michael Head San Mateo CA USA Double Century 12:46
rene robert benitez nuevo CA USA Double Century 12:47
John T. Clare Long Beach CA USA Double Century 12:47
Wendy Gardiner Atlanta GA USA Double Century 12:47
Pete Masiel El Cajon CA USA Double Century 12:47
Phillip Lovalenti Palo Alto CA USA Double Century 13:02
Paul Duren San Jose CA USA Double Century 13:02
Mark Allen Deger Gilroy CA USA Double Century 13:10
anna stewart janesville CA USA Double Century 13:25 tandem
rick stewart janesville CA USA Double Century 13:25 tandem
Tom Tittle Gardnerville NV USA Double Century 13:31
Ray Barnes Woodland Hills CA USA Double Century 13:32
Zach Kaplan Alameda CA USA Double Century 13:34
Veronica Tunucci Corte Madera CA USA Double Century 13:34
J. Mike Elliott Half Moon Bay CA USA Double Century 14:06
Andrew Gustafson Ojai CA USA Double Century 14:10
James Timothy Gathercole San Jose CA USA Double Century 14:13
Christopher Hanson Redondo Beach CA USA Double Century 14:13
Paige Sommer Montara CA USA Double Century 14:14
Stephen E Jones San Marcos CA USA Double Century 14:19
James Deal Costa Mesa CA USA Double Century 14:24
Brent Kingsford Roseville CA USA Double Century 14:24
Alan Sherrill Watsonville CA USA Double Century 14:25
Karen Olstad Aydelott Pasadena CA USA Double Century 14:35
Bryan Brauer The Sea Ranch CA USA Double Century 14:35
Louise E. Comar Atascadero CA USA Double Century 14:35
Vance Ray San Jose CA USA Double Century 14:40
John Henry Maurice salem OR USA Double Century 14:50
Thomas Parkes Costa Mesa CA USA Double Century 14:53
Mel M. Cutler Los Angeles CA USA Double Century 14:55
John D. Long Brea CA USA Double Century 15:00
Mike Snow Phoenix AZ USA Double Century 15:00
Susan Snow Phoenix AZ USA Double Century 15:00
Neil Jones Shoreham by Sea W. Sussex UK Double Century 15:02
David T. Heaney San Jose CA USA Double Century 15:04
george perez phillips ranch CA USA Double Century 15:15
Paul C Woods Colorado Springs CO USA Double Century 15:15
Charles P Griffice Orange CA USA Double Century 15:17
Phil Thomas Irvine CA USA Double Century 15:26
Barry Nelson PalmDesert CA USA Double Century 15:28
Joseph M. Brajkovich Campbell CA USA Double Century 15:30
Jerry P Romero Riverside CA USA Double Century 15:31
Howard Stephen Mazei Anaheim CA USA Double Century 15:33
DAVE CLEMES OAKLAND CA USA Double Century 15:35
brian kingman fontana CA USA Double Century 15:35
Curtis Moran Lancaster CA USA Double Century 15:35
Tom Milton Fairfield CA USA Double Century 15:36
Catherine Wagner Santa Ana CA USA Double Century 15:36
Vernon Charles Watters San Rafael CA USA Double Century 15:37
Chad Empey La Quinta CA USA Double Century 15:39
Rae Miller La Quinta CA USA Double Century 15:39
Joel Delapaz Palm Desert CA USA Double Century 15:40
thomas hance san pedro CA USA Double Century 15:41
Steven P. Barnes Rim Forest CA USA Double Century 15:43
Terry Meek La Verne CA USA Double Century 16:07
Ed Mockler West Warwick RI USA Double Century 16:12
Joe Viens Lincoln RI USA Double Century 16:12
thomas edward casson naperville IL USA Double Century 16:15
Joseph Maurer Mountain View CA USA Double Century 16:21
Sebastian Maurer New York NY USA Double Century 16:21
Peter Meyer Scotts Valley CA USA Double Century 16:24
Cathe Waltmire Irvine CA USA Double Century 16:27 tandem
Wick Waltmire Irvine CA USA Double Century 16:27 tandem
Stan Kiefer San Dimas CA USA Double Century 16:28
Marilyn Graves Monroe WA USA Double Century 16:31 tandem
Richard Lowe Bellevue WA USA Double Century 16:31 tandem
Paul Ringgold San Francsico CA USA Double Century 16:48
John Robbins Pasadena CA USA Double Century 16:52
Scott Chenue San Carlos CA USA Double Century 16:59
Tiffini Taylor San Francisco CA USA Double Century 16:59
Tracy Roseboom San Mateo CA USA Double Century 16:59
Frederick Michael Zankowsky Castro Valley CA USA Double Century 16:59
Jack Twitchell Pomona CA USA Double Century 17:00
Julian Aguirre West Toluca Lake CA USA Double Century DNF
John Henry Akins Livermore CA USA Double Century DNF
Amir Barzin Los Altos CA USA Double Century DNF
Ronald F. Beck Northridge CA USA Double Century DNF
scott bensinger St.Louis MO USA Double Century DNF
Tom Donald Buck Ojai CA USA Century DNF
SUSAN R BUMP Redwood City CA USA Double Century DNF
Eugene Castellano Ogden UT USA Century DNF
Randy Lee Combs Frederick MD USA Double Century DNF
Elizabeth J Crawford San Anselmo CA USA Double Century DNF
Carlos Dominguez San Dimas CA USA Century DNF
Richard Elam San Diego CA USA Century DNF
Barbara D Hailey Danville CA USA Double Century DNF
gary michael heidner garden grove CA USA Century DNF
Gary P Kern San Francisco GA USA Double Century DNF
Adam Kingsford lone pine CA USA Double Century DNF
Gary Kvasnicka Minden NV USA Double Century DNF
Karen Kvasnicka Minden NV USA Double Century DNF
Katherine Levy vienna VA USA Century DNF
Stuart Levy vienna VA USA Double Century DNF
John Albert Long Vacaville CA USA Double Century DNF
Tony Martinez cherry valley CA USA Double Century DNF
John Vincent McNeil Ojai CA USA Century DNF
Esther Merki San Diego CA USA Century DNF
don nigro plano TX USA Century DNF
Reg Norberg Seattle WA USA Double Century DNF
Scott Palka Medford OR USA Double Century DNF
Marc Patton Woodland Hills CA USA Double Century DNF
Phillip Peatross Winter Springs FL USA Century DNF
Matt Wayne Peterson San Francisco CA USA Double Century DNF
Matt Pettey Salt Lake City UT USA Century DNF
robert rankin gardnerville NV USA Double Century DNF
James Rosberg Cambridge MA USA Double Century DNF
Desmund Thomas Shirazi Manhattan Beach CA USA Double Century DNF
Mike Silvey Rancho Cucamonga CA USA Double Century DNF
James Smith Watsonville CA USA Double Century DNF
Ron Smith Chula Vista CA USA Double Century DNF
Ray Storm Larkspur CA USA Century DNF
Robert B. Thomas Atascadero CA USA Double Century DNF
Dan A. Tupper San Jose CA USA Double Century DNF
Frank Vairo New York NY USA Double Century DNF
Mike G Warren Burnaby CAN Century DNF
Ana L. Wilson West Covina CA USA Century DNF
Eric Wilson Palmdale CA USA Double Century DNF
Ronald A Zell San Anselmo CA USA Double Century DNF
Paul Vernier Valencia CA USA Century DNS - Mechanical

Century Riders

Per Asberg Brooklyn NY USA Century Yes
Todd Gregory Beguelin Ventura CA USA Century Yes
Doug Beisner Rancho Cordova CA USA Century Yes
Al Bessin Granville OH USA Century Yes
Brent K Blackburn Los Altos CA USA Century Yes
Kevin Buchanan San Diego CA USA Century Yes
Susan Bunnell Newbury Park CA USA Century Yes
K. Cameron Campbell Chula Vista GU USA Century Yes
Lex F. Campbell Mill Valley CA USA Century Yes
Garett Carlson Beverly Hills CA USA Century Yes
Robert Carroll Santa Cruz CA USA Century Yes
William Cashel Santa Monica CA USA Century Yes
Karen Coppock san mateo CA USA Century Yes
John Corkill San Diego CA USA Century Yes
kevin courtney long beach CA USA Century Yes
Javier Descalzi Pasadena CA USA Century Yes
PETER ANTHONY DYKSTRA VENICE CA USA Century Yes
Chris Eisenbarth El Granada CA USA Century Yes
Denise Fejtek Newport Beach CA USA Century Yes
Paul Fejtek Newport Beach CA USA Century Yes
Jason Feldmar Encino CA USA Century Yes
David Galka Hayward CA USA Century Yes
David L. Garber Ojai CA USA Century Yes
Ron Gerber Upland CA USA Century Yes
Edward Michael Goebel Alta Loma CA USA Century Yes
Russell Grant San Marcos CA USA Century Yes
Helene Lila Grossman San Francisco CA USA Century Yes
Andrew Hallendorff San Francisco CA USA Century Yes
Desmond Hatchette Winchester CA USA Century Yes
Joanne Heilinger Salem PR USA Century Yes
Amy Herzlich Las Vegas CA USA Century Yes
Josef Hochleitner Los Angeles CA USA Century Yes
Rick Hofhine Camarillo CA USA Century Yes
Linda Jean Hurst Lake View Terrace CA USA Century Yes
Ronald T Iseri Camarillo CA USA Century Yes
Bobbi Lynn Jones Mill Valley CA USA Century Yes
ROBERT WAYNE JONES QUANTICO VA USA Century Yes
andrew kagan Bronx NY USA Century Yes
Robert Kaplan Encino CA USA Century Yes
Grant King San Diego CA USA Century Yes
Chris Kingdon La Quinta CA USA Century Yes
darlene e kitajima valencia CA USA Century Yes
Kurt O Kupfer Ogden UT USA Century Yes
Thomas Landro Temecula CA USA Century Yes
Barry Lehmer Encinitas CA USA Century Yes
Randy Richard Lehmer Coto de Caza CA USA Century Yes
John Lenser San Rafael CA USA Century Yes
Phyllis Longbons Morgan Hill CA USA Century Yes
Robert Longbons Morgan Hill CA USA Century Yes
Rod Lowell coronado CA USA Century Yes
Cindy Lea Marnoch Canyon Country CA USA Century Yes
Scott Marnoch Canyon Country CA USA Century Yes
dan j martin boulder creek CA USA Century Yes
Danny Mazzella San Diego CA USA Century Yes
John McGuire, Jr. inyokern CA USA Century Yes
Mark McKenzie Las Vegas NV USA Century Yes
Jason McPhate Oakland CA USA Century Yes
Lisa Susan McPhate Oakland CA USA Century Yes
Alex Mitchell Old Forge NY USA Century Yes
Jake Mitchell Old Forge NH USA Century Yes
Michael Mitchell Old Forge NY USA Century Yes
Deborah Lynn Moore Indian Wells CA USA Century Yes
Lauren Elizabeth Moore San Francisco CA USA Century Yes
Timothy Philip Moore Indian Wells CA USA Century Yes
Martin Henry Moran San Diego CA USA Century Yes
Donald E Morrison Winter Springs FL USA Century Yes
Lorenz Muller San Carlos CA USA Century Yes
Kyle Pedersen San Francisco CA USA Century Yes
David Lynn Peterson ROY UT USA Century Yes
Chuck Chrono Potter Colorado Springs CO USA Century Yes
Jerry Raether Cave Creek AZ USA Century Yes
Robert Ray Cambria CA USA Century Yes
Ernest L. Rischar Oak View CA USA Century Yes
scott robinson new york NY USA Century Yes
Larry Rosa Castro Valley CA USA Century Yes
Terri Scheid san Francisco CA USA Century Yes
Andy Smith Olympic Valley CA USA Century Yes
Jack Leland Smith Ojai CA USA Century Yes
Mark A. Smith Yucaipa CA USA Century Yes
Jud Taylor Pasadena CA USA Century Yes
Chuck Teixeira Canyon Country CA USA Century Yes
Debbie Teixeira Canyon Country CA USA Century Yes
robert r tong valencia CA USA Century Yes
Darryl E. Toupkin Scottsdale AZ USA Century Yes
Jeffrey Towey BLOOMINGTON MN USA Century Yes
Steve Towner Ventura CA USA Century Yes
Dixie Vanorman Upland CA USA Century Yes
Lisa Vernier Valencia CA USA Century Yes
Robert Wafler Hollister CA USA Century Yes
William T Walton San Diego CA USA Century Yes
Bill Weech Mira Loma CA USA Century Yes
Kent Westergard Farr West UT USA Century Yes
Steve Zacks Oxnard CA USA Century Yes

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